M4.6 Earthquake Strikes 37 km WNW of Dāmghān, Iran

A seismic event measuring magnitude 4.6 has been recorded by global monitoring networks, with the epicentre located 37 km WNW of Dāmghān, Iran. The earthquake occurred at 09:08 UTC on Friday, July 31, 2026 and was detected at a focal depth of 10.0 km.

Seismological Overview

Earthquakes are the result of sudden energy release in Earth's crust, most commonly along fault lines where tectonic plates interact. This energy radiates outward as seismic waves — measured and characterised by networks of seismographs operated by agencies including the USGS, JMA, EMSC, and GFZ.

Iran sits on the Iranian Plateau, caught between the Arabian Plate pushing northward and the Eurasian Plate. This compression is accommodated along a complex network of reverse and strike-slip faults crossing the entire country.

Event Parameters in Detail

Magnitude: 4.6 (moment magnitude scale, Mw) — a moderate earthquake.
Depth: 10.0 km
Location: 37 km WNW of Dāmghān, Iran
Time: 09:08 UTC on Friday, July 31, 2026

At a focal depth of 10.0 km, this is classified as a shallow earthquake (0–70 km). Shallow events are typically the most damaging: the seismic energy has less distance to travel before reaching the surface, resulting in stronger and more abrupt ground shaking at the epicentre.

Energy and Ground Motion

A magnitude 4.6 earthquake releases approximately roughly 500 tonnes of TNT of energy. For comparison, this exceeds the energy released by most conventional explosive events and is sufficient to shift tectonic stress in measurable ways across a wide region.

Moderate earthquakes are felt by virtually everyone near the epicentre. Strong shaking lasting 10–30 seconds can topple unsecured items, crack plaster, and cause poorly anchored objects to fall. Aftershocks are common following moderate events.

Significant damage can occur to vulnerable structures — particularly unreinforced masonry, old adobe buildings, and poorly maintained older construction. Well-engineered modern buildings are designed to withstand this level of shaking with minimal structural impact, though contents may shift and non-structural elements (ceilings, partitions) can be damaged.

Regional Seismic History

Iran has experienced many catastrophic earthquakes, including the 2003 Bam earthquake (M6.6, ~26,000 deaths) — largely caused by collapse of traditional mud-brick architecture — and the 2012 East Azerbaijan earthquakes. Seismicity is widespread, with few regions of the country considered truly low-risk.

Public Safety Guidance

For residents in the affected area, the immediate priority is assessing personal safety and structural integrity. After an earthquake, expect aftershocks. Check yourself and others for injuries. Inspect your surroundings for hazards before moving — broken glass, gas leaks (smell), downed power lines, and structural damage. If you suspect a gas leak, open windows and evacuate without using electrical switches or open flames.

Fasten heavy furniture — bookshelves, water heaters, cabinets — to walls using earthquake straps. Store breakable items on lower shelves and heavy items closest to the floor. These simple steps significantly reduce the risk of injury from falling objects.

The Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran and the Building and Housing Research Center (BHRC) play key roles in earthquake monitoring and building code development.

Continued Monitoring

The USGS and regional seismic networks will continue to monitor this event for aftershock activity. QuakeWatch aggregates this global data in real time — you can view all current seismic activity on our live map, or explore our earthquake science guides to learn more about the forces behind events like this one.

Building Codes and Earthquake Resilience

One of the most effective tools against earthquake damage is modern building codes that specify how structures must be designed and constructed to withstand seismic forces. Countries with active fault zones have developed increasingly sophisticated seismic design standards over the past 50 years. However, the gap between modern code-compliant buildings and older existing structures remains a critical challenge in earthquake risk reduction worldwide. Building retrofit programmes and public awareness campaigns are key components of any national earthquake preparedness strategy.